AJ did have had a tough stretch there at the end, but IMO we aren't even in that position to tie the game if it wasn't for his play in the first half and his rebounding overall. Not sure where the hell the rebounding came from but I can't complain considering the state of our front court depth

Everyone knew Trent was taking the last two, but when down 2, I think a play for Giorgi with Trent getting double teamed might have been better. That said Trent single handedly played alpha dog, when no one else wanted to or could. Kudo's to Trent for making all tournament and showing the rest of ILLINI and the fanbase to not give up!

AJ did have had a tough stretch there at the end, but IMO we aren't even in that position to tie the game if it wasn't for his play in the first half and his rebounding overall. Not sure where the hell the rebounding came from but I can't complain considering the state of our front court depth

I assume freshman, game too fast for him, not yet familiar enough with our scheme or skilled enough. has great physical tools. i'm hopeful we'll see strides and see him break into the rotation this season

And Trent had the best performance in this tournament so far! And that's including all the top 10 teams in the tournament! Duke even! With the top 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rated recruits in the nation on their team! Lottery guys in the NBA draft! Please stop hating!

Mad Scientist

What better shot are you alluding to? Did we have open looks at the rim all night? An open three is wildly more efficient than say, a Giorgi post up. Did you want him to get the same look but for 2? I don't think you understand what high percentage means.

Did you miss the part where Giorgi put down 17 tonight, primarily in the paint?

I don't think you understand what high percentage means. A layup is certainly a higher percentage shot than a three-pointer, all else being equal, and the fact that we are even arguing that is kind of ridiculous. If one player hits 40% of their threes and another hits 80% of their layups, which is higher percentage? Please tell me.

They were showing double or pushing double with a switch in some instances, either way, he was the hot hand as usual and you ride the hot hand or use him as a decoy generally. If used as a decoy, my thought, Giorgi being high post position would have had a fairly easy inside bucket. Either way great game!

AJ guarded a player most of the night much bigger than him and got 10 rebounds for us with some offense...are you crazy, no freshman would have done that, and I dare say the 2 of them wouldn't have been able to do that together!